Srinagar, June 9 (NVI): The strategically important Zojila Tunnel project is set to achieve a major construction milestone on Tuesday with the completion of over 13 kilometres of excavation work, bringing the ambitious all-weather connectivity project between Kashmir and Ladakh closer to reality.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari is scheduled to witness the breakthrough event at the tunnel site near Minamarg.
Officials said the breakthrough marks a significant stage in the construction of the tunnel, which is being developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 6,500 crore. Once completed, the project will provide year-round road connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh by bypassing the snow-bound Zojila Pass.
The tunnel is considered one of the country’s most significant road infrastructure projects and is expected to improve transportation, facilitate tourism, strengthen defence logistics and promote economic development in the region.
At present, traffic on the Srinagar-Ladakh highway is frequently disrupted during winter due to heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions at Zojila Pass. The tunnel is expected to ensure seamless connectivity throughout the year once it becomes operational.
The breakthrough is being hailed as a major engineering achievement and an important step towards enhancing connectivity in the Himalayan region, officials said.(NVI)
